By Eamonn Keogh

Huge crowds turned out in force to bid a fond farewell to popular Killarney man Connie Brosnan who passed away last weekend after a brave battle with illness.

Connie, from Ross Road, Killarney, was a familiar face in Killarney town through his long association with local sports clubs and charity organisations and his dedicated work in Killarney National Park.

A great sense of sadness descended over Killarney with the news of Connie's death on Sunday and the large turnout at his removal on Monday evening and his funeral on Tuesday morning at St Mary's Cathedral was testament to his huge popularity and the respect he earned throughout his life.

St Paul's Basketball Club was just one Killarney sporting club privileged to have Connie as an active and committed member for many years and he was instrumental in spearheading a number of fundraising initiatives for the club. Connie was a keen golfer and his notoriety with the small ball grew even further when he was the first golfer to shoot a hole-in-one on the newly opened Ross Golf Course in 1994.

His success and popularity on the golf course paved the way for the annual St Paul's Golf Classic at Ross Golf Course. It was affectionately known as the 'Connie Brosnan' golf classic and proved to be a great fundraiser for the club for several years with Connie as the main driving force.

His interest and enthusiasm for the progress of Killarney Basketball never waned and he was delighted to welcome the return of national league basketball to Killarney in 2017. He was a familiar and popular figure and his gentleman-like and courteous approach meant that everything always ran smoothly.

Connie was a kidney transplant recipient in 2007 and went on to represent Team Ireland in golf in the World Transplant Games. His tireless work and volunteering with the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has been well documented over the years and he was an outstanding Chairperson of the local IKA branch until recently.

At his Funeral Mass Connie's son Sean recalled his fond memories in a moving eulogy and described him as "a great father, husband, grandfather and family man" and spoke of his father's passion for golf, St Paul's Basketball Club and Scotts Lakers, his lifelong support for Dr Crokes GAA Club, love of music and dedicated work with the Irish Kidney Association.

Guards of honour from St Paul's Basketball Club and The Irish Kidney Association were provided on Monday evening and Tuesday morning, while the Dr Crokes GAA flag was draped on his coffin for his final journey through Killarney town to Aghadoe Cemetery.

Connie's beloved wife Margaret died in December 2011. He was the adored father of Seán and Jeannette and dear granddad to Ross and Harry. He will also be sadly missed by his  son-in-law Brian Holden, daughter-in-law Mary, sister Doreen, brothers Timmy, Seán and Ger, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours and many great friends.